Double Slit Experiment Essay

Since the beginning of time, mankind has been baffled by light. Scientists have struggled to explain light and how it operates. During the nineteenth century, a special experiment took place that changed all preconceived theories of light.This report will cover Young’s Double Slit Experiment, how it works,and the properties behind the experiment. Pay special attention to the visual diagrams.

During the centuries preceding Young's experiment, light was widely accepted as being comprised particles, not waves. This theory was made popular by Sir Isaac Newton, and accepted as true until Young proved him wrong in 1801. Young sought out to prove that light was made of waves, not particles; but his findings opened up a whole new spectrum that scientist never foresaw.

In 801, Thomas Young conducted his experiment to prove that light was indeed made of waves. To do so, he had to find a coherent light source. At the time, the only artificial light sources were candles, and lamps; today we can conduct this experiment with ease via high powered lasers and lamps. Young's solution to...